Andre Reed

Andre Reed (born January 29, 1964 in Allentown, Pennsylvania) is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver in the NFL for 16 seasons, 15 with the Buffalo Bills (1985-1999) and one with the Washington Redskins (2000).

Reed is widely considered one of the best wide receivers to ever play the game. During his NFL career, Reed was known as a highly durabile and tough receiver. He was a fearless over-the-middle receiver, never afraid to take punishing blows in exchange for receptions and often shaking off tackles for significant after-catch running yards.

High school and college career

Reed was born in Allentown and began his football career at Allentown's Dieruff High School, where he played quarterback. He then attended Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he was a standout wide receiver who quickly drew the attention of the NFL. Reed was drafted by the Bills in the 1985 NFL Draft.

NFL records

Reed ranks highly in most NFL career statistical receiving categories. He is fourth in total career receptions with 951 (behind only Jerry Rice, Cris Carter and Tim Brown), sixth in total career receiving yards with 13,198, and tenth in total career touchdowns receptions with 87. He also rushed for 500 yards and a touchdown on 75 carries. With the Bills, Reed played in four consecutive Super Bowls (1991-1994) and was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times in a row (1988-1994).

Reed set career highs with 90 receptions in 1994, 10 touchdowns in 1991, and 1,312 receiving yards in 1989.

Super Bowl records

In his four Super Bowls, Reed recorded 27 receptions, the second most total career Super Bowl receptions in NFL history (behind Rice's 33). His 323 total Super Bowl receiving yards are the third highest in Super Bowl history (behind Rice's 604 yards and Lynn Swann's 364).

"The Comeback"

In addition to the important role he played in taking the Bills to four Super Bowls, Reed is remembered particularly for his contributions to the Bills' January 3, 1993 playoff victory over the Houston Oilers, a game that has come to be known simply as "The Comeback". In the game, which Houston led decisively 35-3 during the third quarter, Reed caught three touchdowns in the second half to lead the Bills to the largest comeback in NFL history. Contributing substantially to "The Comeback," Reed finished the game with 8 receptions for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns. The game is considered one of the most extraordinary comebacks in all of American sports.

Reed went on to catch 8 passes for 152 yards in the Bills 55-17 Super Bowl XXVII loss to the Dallas Cowboys a few weeks later.

Likely Hall of Fame induction

Reed became eligible for induction into the NFL's Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, but was not one of the finalists announced during January of that year due largely to the logjam of accomplished wide receiver candidates. Most analysts believe Reed's extraordinary receiving statistics, along with the role he played in taking the Bills to four Super Bowls, almost surely will ultimately guarantee him Hall of Fame selection. Reed played most of his career with former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, who was inducted into the Hall in 2002.

Television career

Reed provides regular football commentary on the ESPN2 show, Cold Pizza, and appears periodically as a football analyst on The NFL on FOX.

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